Midmorning ceased broadcast on February 20, 2012 and was replaced by The Daily Circuit.

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

U.S. future in Afghanistan uncertainSecretary of Defense Robert Gates visited Afghanistan this week and noted significant gains in the fight against the Taliban. But one critic says the war in Afghanistan is harnessed to a strategy that is bound to fail.9:06 a.m.

Guests

Seth Jones: Senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation.

Bing West: Journalist and author of "The Wrong War." He served as assistant secretary of defense under Ronald Reagan.

Marine artist sketches the wounds of warRetired marine Michael Fay spent years sketching his comrades in battle as the U.S. Marine Corps combat artist. Now he's turning his attention to the recovery faced by those wounded in battle.9:45 a.m.

Guests

Michael D. Fay: Retired marine. He was the combat artist for the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000 to 2010, and did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jazz singer Jane MonheitShe was critically acclaimed after her debut hit album in 2000 and critically reviled for being marketed as a sexy "jazz princess." Today, Jane Monheit is 33, a first-time mom, and perhaps more comfortable than ever.10:06 a.m.